DJAARA Timbers BIYAL Big Tree Workshop: Crafting with Bendigo Red Gum

On a quiet street in central Bendigo, at 273-277 Hargreaves Street, a workshop led by DJAARA Timbers turns fallen Biyal (Red Gum) branches into art. The Malamiya Mang - BIYAL Big Tree Art & Making workshop invites visitors to learn hands-on woodcraft while contributing to a community exhibition that honors the Guildford Big Tree. For visitors arriving in Bendigo this experience is a rare opportunity to engage directly with local ecology and Indigenous-led material stewardship. The session lasts about two hours and mixes indoor bench work with outdoor timber preparation depending on the weather. Participants handle weathered Red Gum timber, a dense, iron-tinted hardwood with tight grain and contrasting heartwood tones. Under guidance from DJAARA Timbers facilitators makers will sand, cut, join, and assemble elements from fallen limbs into sculptural components destined for public display. No felling is involved; all material is reclaimed from the Guildford Big Tree aftermath. The workshop balances craft technique with cultural context, and that combination makes it distinct in Bendigo’s creative scene. Makers learn how to pair grain, stabilize shock-prone knots, and finish surfaces so textures read clearly in exhibition lighting. Facilitators also share the significance of BIYAL and the role of Indigenous stewardship in caring for local Red Gum stands. Logistics are straightforward. The class is approachable for beginners; no advanced carpentry is required. Participants should be prepared to stand, bend, and use hand tools for the two hour session. Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind sanding. Check-in takes place at 273-277 Hargreaves Street, Bendigo; booking provides exact meeting details. Photographers will find compelling close-up subjects: fire-darkened bark, radial grain, hand tool marks, and the warm colour of polished heartwood. Many participants extend their visit with a walk through nearby parks or a stop at a local gallery to see community art conversations in person. Whether you’re a traveler seeking a meaningful hands-on souvenir or a local wanting to support Indigenous-led conservation through craft, the Malamiya Mang BIYAL workshop offers an intimate, practical way to take a piece of Bendigo’s landscape home. Each finished component carries the story of fallen Biyal, the hands that shaped it, and the city that hosts the project. Join to learn, to help, and to leave something that keeps local material alive. Plan to arrive a few minutes early so instructors can fit you into a work station. The workshop welcomes adults and older teens able to follow safety briefings. Tools provided include sanding gear, clamps, and basic hand tools; if you have personal gloves or protective eyewear bring them. Your contribution becomes part of a larger exhibition that highlights Bendigo’s trees, stories, and craft traditions. It’s an unusual way to connect with place and people deeply.